At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client portfolios and provide tailored accounting advice while driving firm growth.
- Company: Dynamic firm offering autonomy and direct access to Partners.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, 5 weeks annual leave, and free on-site parking.
- Other info: Ideal for entrepreneurial minds seeking variety and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business with significant responsibility and freedom.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with experience in UK accountancy practice.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
This opportunity is built for someone who enjoys variety, thrives on responsibility, and wants to have a visible impact in a growing business. Joining a small but ambitious firm, you will work directly with Partners, take ownership of client relationships, and become involved across a broad mix of accounting, advisory, and commercial matters. The role offers far more than delivery work. You will be trusted to make decisions, improve how things are done, and help shape the future direction of the firm as it continues to expand. There is no large corporate structure and no unnecessary layers of management, just genuine autonomy, meaningful client exposure, and the chance to become an important part of the next stage of growth. It would suit someone entrepreneurial in mindset; someone who spots opportunities, takes initiative, enjoys solving problems, and wants a role that grows with them rather than one they outgrow.
This is a broad and varied role offering exposure well beyond year-end accounts production. You will take ownership of your own portfolio and become a trusted adviser to clients, supporting them across a range of accounting and business matters. Working directly with the Partners, you will have significant freedom to manage your workload, build relationships in your own style, and contribute ideas that improve both client outcomes and internal processes. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety and wants to play a meaningful role in a firm's growth journey.
Key responsibilities:- Manage and develop your own portfolio of clients
- Build long-term client relationships and become a trusted point of contact
- Prepare and review statutory accounts and related work
- Review bookkeeping and management information prepared for clients
- Provide practical advice and support across a range of accounting matters
- Work directly with Partners on complex client situations
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and client delivery
- Support the growth and development of the client portfolio
- Take ownership of deadlines and ensure work is delivered to a high standard
- Contribute ideas and initiatives as the firm continues to expand
- ACA or ACCA qualified
- Extensive Xero experience
- Previous UK accountancy practice experience
- Varied experience highly desired - Accounts, Corporate Tax, Personal Tax, Bookkeeping, Management Accounts, VAT
- Experience managing or supporting a client portfolio
- Strong technical accounting knowledge
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership
- Commercial awareness and problem-solving ability
- Confidence dealing directly with clients
- Organised approach and ability to prioritise effectively
- Initiative and desire to make a visible contribution
- Interest in progressing within a growing firm
We do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.
Accounts & Client Manager employer: Howett Thorpe
Join a dynamic and ambitious firm in Farnham, where you will enjoy a 4-day working week with full salary, five weeks of annual leave, and the opportunity to progress into senior leadership roles. With a strong emphasis on autonomy and direct access to Partners, this role allows you to make impactful decisions and shape the future of the business while building meaningful client relationships in a supportive and entrepreneurial work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts & Client Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Howett Thorpe. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts & Client Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Howett Thorpe.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Howett Thorpe's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett Thorpe
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Howett Thorpe.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Howett Thorpe will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Howett Thorpe employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
